HR0189 101ST GENERAL ASSEMBLY

HR0189 LRB101 11564 MST 57493 r

HOUSE RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, The members of the Illinois House of Representatives are saddened to learn of the death of Sidney Gray Miller Jr., a 50-year resident of Illinois' 25th District, who passed away on November 12, 2018; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller was born on March 9, 1930 at Cook County Hospital and grew up an only child to Leverta Bates Miller and Rev. Sydney G. Miller Sr., a Baptist preacher who instilled a sense of service to the less fortunate by operating a soup kitchen out of their home on Sundays during the Great Depression; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller joined the Illinois National Guard while attending DuSable High School and achieved the rank of Master Sergeant before turning 21 years old; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller began his undergraduate education at the University of Illinois Navy Pier extension, now the University of Illinois at Chicago, before transferring to the Urbana-Champaign campus to major in physical education and become a proud member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity; and

WHEREAS, After earning his bachelor's degree in 1954, Sidney Miller was drafted into the United States Army, serving for almost two years before being honorably discharged and returning to school to receive a master's degree in education; and

WHEREAS, After graduating, Sidney Miller began working at Chicago's Marshall School as a physical education teacher, track and field coach, and athletic director; and

WHEREAS, During his time at Marshall, Sidney Miller led his track team to a 1967 City Championship and a third place finish in the Illinois State championships; he served as a vital mentor to the young men under his leadership, inspiring many of them to follow his footsteps by becoming teachers and coaches; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller left Marshall School, where he was awarded honorary membership into the Marshall High School Alumni Association Hall of Fame, to become an associate professor and coach the brand-new track and field team at Chicago Teacher's College, now Chicago State University; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller continued his education at Roosevelt University, where he earned a doctorate in educational administration, in addition to gaining an advanced certificate in education; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller remained active in professional athletic organizations throughout his life; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller was devoted to arts and culture; he supported organizations including the Jazz Institute of Chicago, the Chicago Jazz Ensemble, and the Chicago Jazz Philharmonic and enjoyed pursuing his passions for photography and travel; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller was an active member of Trinity United Church of Christ and is remembered by his friends and family for his zeal for life, compassion for all, and service to his community; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth; and

WHEREAS, Sidney Miller is survived by his children, Steven, Sabrina, and Dena and his grandson, DeVante Sherod; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE ONE HUNDRED FIRST GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, that we mourn the passing of Sidney Gray Miller Jr. and extend our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and all who knew and loved him; and be it further

RESOLVED, That a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Sidney Miller as an expression of our deepest sympathy.